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While we're at it, you can pass on Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme, too.

I'll allow Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Here are 7 other alternative songs for your Halloween playlists:

"Halloween," Misfits

This '80s underground punk classic perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Halloween without being overtly schlocky. Its opening line says it all: "Bonfires burning bright, pumpkin faces in the night, I remember Halloween."

The Misfits pioneered a genre of horror-themed punk and you could create an entire playlist from their catalog alone (See: "Braineaters," "Vampira," "Ghouls Night Out").

"Pet Sematary," The Ramones

Horror icon Stephen King was a huge fan of these punk-rock pioneers. He tapped the band to record the title track for the 1989 film adaptation of "Pet Sematary." It plays over the closing credits.

"Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare All)," Type O Negative

This song takes its title from the hair dye of choice for goth girls everywhere, and references both Nosferatu and Lily Munster (and clove cigarettes). Peter Steele's baritone vocals and enunciation on lines like "On her milk white neck, the Devil's mark," are spine chilling.

The album version runs close to 12 minutes long, so you may want to look for the radio edit.

"I Put a Spell on You," Screamin' Jay Hawkins

This song has been covered by everyone from Creedence Clearwater Revival to Bette Midler (in the film "Hocus Pocus"), but Screamin' Jay Hawkins' 1956 version evokes a playful voodoo vibe that's perfect for Halloween.

"My Mind Playing Tricks On Me," Geto Boys

In all fairness, the Houston rap band's 1991 track "Chuckie" is the better choice here. Based on the horror film "Child's Play," the song has better rhymes, if you care about that kind of thing.

About Joshua Tehee

Joshua Tehee is a Renaissance man. He writes about music and pop culture. He plays in a band. Bowls. Commutes on his
bike. And is a cheerleader for Fresno. His column is all about exploring Fresno's culture. Email Joshua at jtehee@fresnobee.com or call him at 559-441-6759.